The crew of an oil-laden ship which collided with the Channel wreck of the Tricolor may not have known of the impending danger, it has emerged.

We do not understand
how it is possible

Hunter Rouselle, French Navy

French coastguards said those in charge of the Vicky, which got stuck on the car transporter for several hours on News Years Day, seem to have been unaware of the floating hazard, lying off the Kent coast.

Michaud Philippe, a French Coastguard duty officer, said inquires were continuing but revealed: "The captain will be interviewed by the Belgian Maritime Authority but, at the moment, we know the Vicky seems not
to have been informed there was a wreck."

Commander Hunter Rouselle, an officer with the French Navy, said the crew had many opportunities to pick up radio warnings.